Hortus :: Simulation / Branching Story Authoring Tool

Typically, a simulation starts with the introduction or briefing. Then trainee advances to the first multiple-choice decision point (dialog). Based on the trainee's selections the story continues, trainee advances to the next decision point until the simulation ends: either because trainee reaches a desireable outcome or because too many bad choices ended simulation ahead of time. At the completion of the simulation trainee receives feedback on his / her performance. Generally, after reviewing the feedback, trainee can try simulation again using different choices - and causing different story flow, hopefully leading to a better outcome.

In order to create simulation based on a branching story model the author(s) need to visualize and graphically map out all possible decisions / outcomes. Since each decision point usually has two to six possible outcomes, the situation snowballs becoming very complex really fast. The branching story authoring tool ideally should combine two major instruments:

1. Graphical interface that allows you to visually arrange dialogs, link them to choices, steps to be taken, next dialog, etc., and
2. Ability to enter / access relevant textual information, such as dialog headers and choice options, assessments of the choices at any point of the simulation

Immersive Communication Training System 2.1 (ICTS) is a solution that allows corporate training departments to create training simulations in 3D virtual worlds, such as Second Life. The solution consists of branching story authoring tool - graphical user interface that allows instructional designers to create and update branching story behind the simulation, as well as engine that drives the actual simulation. The branching story authoring tool is also available as a stand-alone product, either as hosted solution or for purchase / installation on your network. You can use the tool when working on a branching story that could use any technology: flash, video, 3D worlds, etc.

The stand-alone branching story authoring tool is entirely web-based, so you can share the branching story and collaborate on its development with your peers, colleagues, programmers and other people involved in the project.

In order to create a branching story, you drag graphical containers of different colors representing character, character actions, replies, dialogs and response choices to the simulation palette and connect them with the arrows to define simulation flow. Containers can be connected, disconnected and re-arranged at any time. Double-clicking container opens a pop-up window with a form that allows you to enter and modify relevant information. The information might include dialog / choice and reply text, character actions in response to a specific choice, as well as score and text assessment for each choice. Graphical user interface provides an easy visualization of the entire story and access to any part of the simulation impossible to achieve with any other tool.

The preview of ISTS 2.1, (which includes example of the simulation and demonstration of branching story authoring tool) is available here.

If you have any questions on branching story authoring tool, or would like to subscribe for hosted solution or purchase it for installation on your network, please contact us.